Many know Hidilyn Diaz as the first Filipino Olympic gold medal winner, but few know how hard the road was for this champion weightlifter before she reached her dream.
Having started weightlifting at age eleven, Hidilyn took years of practice, hard work, and grit to overcome the challenges that came her way. She even had to create makeshift weights using concrete and mag wheels when she was just starting out. After four Olympic stints in a span of 12 years, including a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the London edition of the Games, she finally had her golden moment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But even then, the road wasn’t easy—due to the pandemic, she had to train in Malaysia away from her family and she once again had to use makeshift weights in an outdoor gym.
Just like Hidilyn, many Filipino athletes also dream of their moment atop the podium. It is indeed a daunting task, with only a few given a chance to even qualify in the Olympic games. This is why Hidilyn, with the help of Jollibee, aims to pay it forward and help shape the next generation of Filipino champions.
“Bawat panalo, nagsisimula sa pangarap. At ang pangarap ko, maiangat ang mga kabataang atletang Pinoy,” Hidilyn said. “At natutuwa ako na sa tulong ng Jollibee, kahit papaano ay mabibigyan ko sila ng kahit konting pag-asa na makamit nila ang pangarap nila,” she added.
Jollibee, as a proudly Pinoy brand, will be donating a part of the proceeds from every purchase of the Champ & Joy Super Meal to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.
“Jollibee has always believed in the heart and strength of Filipinos and that we can shine even at a global stage. Together with Hidilyn, we want to help nurture and support more Filipino athletes so they too can reach their dreams and continue bringing pride and inspiration to the country,” said Arline Adeva, Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.
Hidilyn also plans to donate weightlifting equipment for the grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas.
“Para mas ma-increase yung awareness about weightlifting at sana, ma-realize ng mga bata na posible na ma-achieve nila ang dream nila sa Philippines by starting out sa weightlifting,” she said before adding that she also plans to train athletes herself.
“Hindi naman ako forever na atleta. So kailangan na may kasunod na may ma-train ako na maging champion next to me. Kasi it’s not all about me, ang gusto ko, hindi lang ako ang champ, kundi lahat tayo,” Hidilyn said.
You can also do your part in supporting aspiring Filipino athletes with the Champ & Joy Super Meal. This delicious and filling combo includes a Champ burger, 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice, and a free Go Large Coke drink. As an added treat, customers will also get a special paper packaging featuring Hidilyn herself and a limited edition Hidilyn Diaz collectible card with every order of the Champ & Joy Super Meal. The meal is available for only PHP 240.00 in select Jollibee stores nationwide until November 30, 2021.
Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! You may also enjoy it via Dine-in, Drive-Thru, and Take Out.
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